Dean Elgar said that he was leaving the arena with a lot of “amazing memories.”
Former South African skipper Dean Elgar said that he could not end his international career the way he hoped, but he was leaving the arena with a lot of “amazing memories.” Elgar captained South Africa in his final Test after Temba Bavuma was ruled out due to injury.
On Thursday, January 4, the South African team faced a setback with a seven-wicket loss to India in the second and final Test in Cape Town, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series.
Elgar acknowledged his modest scores of 4 and 12 in Newlands but took pride in his century at SuperSport Park during the first Test against India.
Dean Elgar said after the match: “I would have liked to do more in this game, we might have had a few more runs to try and defend. Still very proud of my performance that I had in Centurion. Finally on the board there in the hundred club. Nice to contribute to a winning cause.”
Reflecting on his 12-year international career, Elgar made his debut in an ODI against England in August 2012. However, Elgar played only seven more ODIs after his debut, but he achieved notable success in Test cricket, accumulating 5347 runs from 86 matches.
Read Also: SA v IND 2023-24: Rohit Sharma says Cape Town win ‘one of the best’; compares it with Gabba victory
Elgar stated, “A lot of good, amazing memories. I received it in 2012 in the Perth debut, I have missed only one series with it and that was West Indies, captained the first series. It’s got a special place at home and it doesn’t leave, only leaves for duty, but that’s now done and dusted. So, I’m gonna have to find a special place for it. It is the first one and I am glad I finished with it.”
The Proteas star also mentioned that he feels “very grateful” to have played against Team India. In a light-hearted remark, he jokingly stated that he's relieved not to have to face them anymore.
The former batter added, “Glad that I don’t have to face these guys again. Fond memories. I’m sure I played that Test match when he (Jasprit Bumrah) made his debut. We’ve also come a long way. Very grateful to play against these guys.”
Elgar termed Bumrah a “world-class” bowler and said that he deserved the Man of the Series award for his performance in the Test series in South Africa.
(With PTI/Firstcricket Inputs)